County Council backs tax, bus fare increases

P-I STAFF

Published 10:00 pm, Thursday, November 8, 2007

Residents of Seattle and King County face higher sales taxes to expand mental-health services and increased bus fares under proposals endorsed Thursday by the County Council.

The sales tax and bus fare proposals were put forth by County Executive Ron Sims last month in his recommendations for the county's 2008 budget. They were approved Thursday by the council's operating budget committee.

Although formal ratification by the full council is required to enact the measures, all nine council members participated in the committee meeting.

The proposals would:

Increase the sales tax by 1 cent per $10 purchase for 10 years for a program designed to provide treatment for substance abusers and the mentally ill who get into trouble, as an alternative to jail or hospitalization, if appropriate. The tax would raise $50 million a year. It would cost the average family $25 a year, a Sims aide has said.

Increase Metro bus fares by 25 cents, the first hike since 2001. After a 2008 phase-in, the increase would generate close to $12 million a year, which Sims has said is needed to maintain current service levels. Bus fares now range from 25 cents to $2; basic fares for able-bodied adults are $1.25 or $1.50, depending on time of day.